Super Ultralight Backpacking Gear - Part 2

An in-depth review of the gear and equipment that makes up my system for Super Ultra Light Backpacking trips. In this 4 part video series, we take a comprehensive look at one style of lightweight backing which can reduce your overall base pack weight to less than 5 pounds. This style of hiking is technically referred to as "S.U.L." or "Super Ultra Lightweight Backpacking". After much time spent in the field hiking with packs weighing upward of 50lbs, the past few years have found me leaning toward a slightly more "minimalist" approach in regard to my backpacking style. This path first brought me to pack weights of about 20 pounds... ultimately arriving where I am now with a full feature pack weighing less than 5lbs. Don't get me wrong, I like gear as much as the next person. In fact, a variety of gear is not only necessary for certain outdoor pursuits, but mandatory in many instances. With that said, I have taken a serious look at what I actually "need" for certain activities, and have been adopting a "less is more" mindset. This has been a person challenge as well as a way for me to experience the outdoors in a new way... sometimes it's good to change things up a bit. Still, safety and comfort remain paramount. I am not advocating going into the wilderness under-equipped or unprepared. Significant experience in the field is essentially mandatory to find a balance of what is "luxury" and what is necessity. Even with this knowledge and experience, these types of gear systems are limited to specific conditions and circumstances. Of course, all of this is only my own opinion and personal experience. I remain open-minded and welcome any insight, experience, and advice that you may have to offer. Happy trails my friends!

SUL VIDEO SERIES CONTENT LIST:
Part 1: Introduction -- Philosophy/Application -- Pack Options (waist pack/backpack) -- Water Bottles -- Outwear -- Compass/Whistle -- Trail Snacks -- Alcohol Stove -- Cookset
Part 2: Water Purification & Filter -- Flashlight/Headlamp -- Hygiene -- First-Aid Kit -- Sleep System -- Raingear - Clothing
Part 3: Tarp Tent/Shelter -- Repair Kit -- Fishing Kit -- Carry Items (lighter, knife, multi-tool, survival kit) -- Backpacking Meals/Food
Part 4: Extras: Fishing Tackle (rod, reel, tackle) - Camera Gear/Equipment -- Misc.

NOTE: The final tally for the pack shown was as follows:
Base Weight = 79.2 oz. (4.95 lbs.)
Total Cost = $43.25
* For a complete breakdown and checklist of gear, weights, and prices which make up the Super Lightweight Lumbar Pack system which is at the center of this series (including the major "load out" contents for this trip, as well as personal carry items and add-on "luxury" items), you can click on the link below:
(pending...)

LINKS:
"DIY Homemade Down Sleeping Bag"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhUlU2XTrmU
"DIY Backpacking Ultralight Gravity Fed Water Filter" by Wawhiker
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4X_fcZcfUA
Wawhiker's YouTube Channel:
http://www.youtube.com/user/wawhiker

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• super
• ultralight
• backpacking
• gear
• review
• ultra
• light
• lite
• hyper
• uber
• lightweight
• equipment
• pack
• minimalist
• system
• backpack
• kit
• DIY
• homemade
• tarp
• tent
• shelter
• down
• sleeping
• bag
• pad
• raingear
• clothes
• alcohol
• stove
• cookset
• water filter
• purification
• hygiene
• first-aid
• FAK
• hip
• fanny
• waist
• lumbar
• hydration
• inexpensive
• cheap
• lightweight backpacking
• backpacking gear
• mountains
• wilderness
• forest
• stream
• trout
• fish
• trail
• food
• camping
• trekking
• hiking
• how-to
• tips

[jakefreakinclark]

I'm going to hit up Springer Mountain this spring, and head north. Great videos, great knowledge. What do you think your tolerances are for this type of sleeping over a longer period of time? Obv. it's a very independent/personal question, what one man can stand vs another is totally unique. But I was curious what you would be willing to tolerate, what you would change for a longer hike about specifically your sleeping arrangements. (assume temps do not drop below freezing)

[intenseangler]

@jakefreakinclark Right on Brother! Hope you have a great time out there on the AT! You planning on going all the way to Maine?

[topshotrhit]

I'd caution against using your padded mylar blanket over your bag on multiple nights as it will act as a vapor barrier and keep moisture within your down bag. You would do better to put it within your bag (it will act more like vapor barrier clothing then) - you'll be sweatier/clammier but your down won't get wet.

[intenseangler]

@topshotrhit I definitely agree with you. I'm glad that you made that point here. I had been testing out my DIY down bag and wasn't fully confident in it at the time... the blanket served as a great lightweight backup.

Thanks!

[tahoeric]

Vapor-barrier clothing: Check the article in THE COMPLETE WALKER IV, Colin Fletcher & Chip Rawlins, page 517.

In THE 2 OZ BACKPACKER, Robert S. Wood, page 52: A big trash or garbage makes an admirable covering for your torso once you cut holes for your arms and head to make a plastic vest. Put it next to the skin, tuck in your pants, then put on a relatively snug shirt....Properly used, VB clothing will increase your body warmth by an astounding 20 degrees F.

You get a little sweaty !

[intenseangler]

@tahoeric Thanks for taking the time to send this info man, I appreciate it! I'm gonna have to mess around with this. I can definitely see this getting a bit sweaty though, as you said! 

[jaredj631]

Windshield protector great stuff I'm going to us it. Energizer bread makes great light head lamps 10-15 bucks at home depot.

[lolfunlover21]

cool



[jakefreakinclark]

@intenseangler That's certainly the plan, though I'm just going to say "I'm starting in GA and heading north for a bit of a jaunt" haha. I live in NY so I've gotten to hike alot in the Adirondacks, and thru-hiked the Northville-Placid Trail 2 summers ago. Packweight=51 pounds with food and water, haha. Outrageous. I still logged 18-24 mile days don't get me wrong, but it absolutely killed my feet. Your videos are fantastic, I'm sure it took a lot of time but us future hikers thank you!

[jakefreakinclark]

my bad, I see you described the closed cell foam. Apologies!

[jakefreakinclark]

@intenseangler it's what wrestlers do to cut weight, you get warm quick haha.

[oregonmikes]

See PM.

Way to go WAWHiker!